With spring upon us, it's a good idea to do some inside "spring cleaning" so we sparkle and shine like the world around us. A recent Huffington Post article by Daniela Tempesta, LCSW/Psychotherapist, gives us an easy can-do strategy to boost our mood:

SMILE...Especially When You Don't Feel Like It!

Each time you smile you throw a little feel-good party in your brain. The act of smiling activates neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness.Research at the University of Kansas demonstrated that smiling, even if one is not feeling happy, can slow the heart rate and decrease perceived levels of stress. Smiling sends a signal to the rest of our body that things are okay, we're safe. So next time you are feeling overwhelmed, try smiling...the bigger the smile the better, even if you don't feel like it. It might just make a difference.

Sit Up Straight and Take Up Space Studies have shown that sitting up straight positively influenced feelings of self-confidence, while slumping had the opposite effect. Additionally, research at Harvard University has shown that holding "power postures" for 2 minutes can create a 20% increase in testosterone (boosting confidence) and a 25% decrease in the stress hormone, cortisol. To reap these benefits, assume an open, expansive posture. Take up space, put your hands on your hips and spread your feet (think Wonder Woman) or lean back in a chair and spread your arms.

Put a Hand On Your Heart Touch is powerfully healing. That's why a hug is so comforting when we're sad. We can actually give ourselves some of the same benefits. During a distressing moment, try placing a hand on your heart, rubbing your arms, or massaging your head. May sound cheesy, but it actually can be very helpful in slowing the body's stress response. Pairing this with the self-compassionate thoughts such as, "This is really painful right now, but I'll get through it and the pain will pass" can help soothe the discomfort physically and mentally. So next time you are feeling overwhelmed by whatever is arising for you emotionally, try standing up straight, smiling, or putting a hand on your heart. For a super boost, try all three.

Enjoy Nat King Cole singing "Smile..."

Due to overwhelming response to our Boggle Sweepstakes last month, we awarded 12 winners a

$5 Starbucks Gift Card! Let's play it again and see how everyone does in March. Good luck! How many words you can create using only the letters in the word: SPRINGTIMEEmail your words & contact information: Caryl@globalneuroandspine.com

April 15th looming? Relax...It's not all that serious!

"I put all my money into taxes. They're the only thing that's sure to go up!"

"The Government says we should be proud to be paying taxes. I think I could be just as proud for about a third of the money."

"Trying to do your own taxes is like a do-it-yourself mugging."

"Why does a 'slight tax increase' cost you two hundred dollars, and a 'substantial tax cut' save you two dollars?"

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In order to simplify tax collections, the IRS has a new, user-friendly tax form with only two lines: